Violent abuser jailed after breaking into ex-partner’s home and attacking her

A violent abuser who attacked his ex-partner in her own home, leaving her with a fractured eye socket, has been jailed for ten years.

Joseph Coils broke into the woman’s Shildon home while she was in bed in the early hours of December 1 last year – just 13 days after being released from prison following a previous attack on her.

The 23-year-old dragged the terrified woman out of bed by her hair, punched her repeatedly, and tried to gouge her eyes out so that she “could not see another man”.

The attack took place in front of the couple’s three-year-old son, who hid from Coils under his bed covers.

Police officers rushed to the house after being alerted by a concerned neighbour, where they arrested Coils and brought him into custody.

He was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and breaching a restraining order that had been put in place previously to protect the woman from Coils.

Coils, of Stanley, admitted breaching the restraining order but denied causing grievous bodily harm.

However, a jury sitting at Durham Crown Court took just 40 minutes to find him guilty of the offence and he was jailed for ten years last Friday (August 22).

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she feared she would have been killed if police had not attended the house and arrested Coils.

“If they had not come, who knows what may have happened to me,” she said. “He was telling me he wanted me to die, and I genuinely thought that I was going to die.

“Ever since we separated, he will not leave me alone to get on with my life – he has ruined my life, my face is a mess from him, I have scars from being assaulted, and I honestly believe he will try and kill me at some point.

“I know that he will ignore any conditions or orders imposed on him and will try and find out where I am as soon as he is able to do so, then who knows what will happen to me.

“I do not know what more I can do to be able to get on with my life. I am only able to find some peace and solace while he is in prison as I know he cannot find me or do anything to me.”

Detective Constable Dave Taylor, from South Durham CID, led the investigation. He said: “Coils is a dangerous offender who has shown utter contempt for the justice system by committing this offence just days after being released from prison and while subject to a restraining order.

“He committed an appalling and sustained attack on a young woman in her own home – a place where she and her little boy should be able to feel safe.

“She has bravely stood up to Coils throughout the investigation and faced him at court to provide her evidence, which is not an easy thing to do at all and I commend her for showing such courage.

“Hopefully the sentence imposed can provide her with some comfort and enable her to move forward with her life instead of constantly looking over her should and living in fear of what Coils may do next.”

If you or someone you know if experiencing domestic abuse, please tell us – call 101, or 999 if there is immediate danger.

If you’re not ready to speak to the police, there are other helplines available:  

• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
• Local charity, Harbour, is also available 24 hours a day on 03000 20 25 25. 

The above services support both men and women.